You’ve got tickets to the big game, the players are ready for some fierce competition but the scoreboard is missing. Really? Why? How could they miss that? This happens all the time with organizations where we work, do business & in our own lives. This analogy is a powerful example of how getting what we say aligned with what we do can make all the difference in “winning” in any enterprise.
*Picture from www.clipartkids.com
What we SAY
Organizations everywhere have fancy mission, vision & priorities; we can’t help but notice them. This is the primary way we begin to get to know & decide to have a relationship with companies. Whether you want to work with or need their services, this is where it starts. Every companies values should be obvious, authentic & transparent. The best ones you can probably put on a t-shirt; short, simple & to the point.
What we DO
How can we tell if what they said is fluff or not? Carrying out actions aligned with what we’ve said is important projects to employees & customers we’re committed. This is the way we instantly show that all the stuff we said isn’t just a smokescreen to lure people to work & spend money. If you say customer service or loyalty is where it’s at but don’t empower everyone to provide it then somethings broken. This divide isn’t because you’ve hired the wrong people (maybe) but a lack of follow through from leadership. Whatever the leaders style, skills, talents, etc. they’ve got to model the values & encourage a positive environment to enable employees to do the same. Change is constant & leadership is situational but our values must remain steadfast. If employees don’t know what to expect they can’t figure out how they’re talents can best be utilized as things shift.
Goals Matter
If your team doesn’t have a goal to align their efforts they are unlikely to give their best. If they don’t play hard, really bring it, then we get the result we’ve set up….lackluster engagement. Legendary NFL Coach Bill Parcels only asked one question of anyone who played for him, the essence goes like this…
Are you willing to get on board with what we’re trying to do (win a championship)? If so, come on, we’d love to have you.
So simple because they know why they’re doing what they’re doing. The stage is already set & the scoreboard tells the main story along the way. Without this single aligning element you don’t have anything for people to aspire. Whether for profit or not, companies who don’t figure out “say & do” won’t last long because they just know one thing, make money or die. Businesses come & go everyday so money can’t be the sole reason. Now what?
Fix it with “Why”
This is so powerful yet we often don’t take the time to truly discover a solid answer. Figure out your comparative advantage inside your industry, articulate it (overstate for clarity) & go do it. Easier said than done as “feelings” are near impossible to communicate but won’t be overlooked or ignored once you nail them down. No matter if you’re a one person show or a large company, success stories come when focus is like a laser from leaders on “why” you’re doing what you’re doing. With your scoreboard in place “players” remain engaged & know how their talents naturally combine on the team.
Thanks for sticking out yet another sports analogy! Here’s hoping the scoreboard reads “success” to however you’re making our world a better place!
All the Best,
Karl
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